My opinion might be a little complex. Here is my current ranking based on how I remember them right now.
- The Empire Strikes Back
- A New Hope
- Revenge of the Sith
- The Phantom Menace
- Return of the Jedi
- Attack of the Clones
Tbh when I first watched TPM, I came out from the movie theater with a down feeling; as whether I wouldn't had liked it. It was a strange feeling of disbelief; I couldn't accept that was a Star Wars movie. It happened just the first time; I enjoyed it quite a lot afterwards, and it never happened again with the subsequent prequels (it did happen again with The Force Awakens, exactly the same case).
I know the biggest complain from the fans by those years was Jar Jar Binks. It was no problem to me. Jar Jar has always been my favourite character from the prequels (
@JarJarBinks is my alt account), and I was in my 30's when it came out. Yes, he was a character targeted for the kids; but that didn't make him annoying; I never have understood the hatred.
I believe the prequels tell an impressively good story, the worlds and concepts are brilliantly made, and I also think there is much more than what people see on screen that Lucas was planning; but didn't follow through. It's however badly written and executed. Lucas is brilliant on the technical aspects; but he is totally incompetent directing characters and writing dialogs. That's what imo hurts the movies the most.